Immunization Information for Medical Providers

Childhood Vaccines

Routine primary childhood vaccines are administered at 2, 4, 6, 12 and 15 months of age. For children who begin their immunizations late, follow minimum intervals for vaccination to bring them up-to-date in a timely manner. All providers should understand true vaccine contraindications to avoid missed immunization opportunities.

Adolescent Vaccines

CDC recommends that children ages 11-12, be immunized with the meningococcal conjugate vaccine. They recommend vaccination for the next 2-3 years for teens entering high school as well as college freshmen who will be living in dormitories.

As of July 1, 2011, California law requires all students entering 7th grade to show proof of a pertussis (whooping cough) booster shot, known as Tdap before starting school. Other vaccines may also be generally indicated for some adolescents.

Beginning on January 1, 2012, a new California law (known as AB 499) expands the legal authority of minors 12 years and older to consent to confidential medical services for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) without their parents' consent. Click here to download the fact sheet for more information.

Adult Vaccines

Programs that provide free vaccines to local public health centers and private and nonprofit organizations. Contact the Adult Vaccine Program at (415) 554-2955 for more information on the Influenza Vaccine Program and Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B Vaccine Program.

Beginning on January 1, 2012, a new California law (known as AB 499) expands the legal authority of minors 12 years and older to consent to confidential medical services for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) without their parents' consent. Click here to download the fact sheet for more information.

School and Childcare Laws

The new immunization law requires all students entering into 7th grade to show proof of a pertussis (whooping cough) booster shot, known as Tdap before the start of school each Fall.

These requirements apply to millions of students in California. Please utilize every opportunity to provide a Tdap booster shot to adolescents and adults (7 years and older) who haven't yet received it. Updates on implementing this new law and information on pertussis are posted at http://shotsforschool.org/laws/.

The California Immunization Registry, also known as CAIR is directly accessed by many schools to check student immunization records. We encourage you to join CAIR to help meet the new Tdap booster shot requirement.